§ Order of the Day for receiving the Report of Amendment read.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS (THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE)My Lords, in moving that this Report be received, I would like to take the opportunity of carrying out a promise 413 that I made on the Committee stage. I have further examined the question of whether this Bill might make it illegal for Christian Scientists at their meetings to describe treatments of cancer which had proved successful, on the ground that that might be termed advertising. I am now advised that there is nothing in the Bill which will make it illegal to give testimonies as to the healing of cancer by Christian Science at testimony meetings, or to publish them in the textbook or other authorised literature of the Church of Christ, Scientist, provided that no announcement is made that any practioner is prepared to treat other cases. A question was also raised as to whether the publication in the Christian Science Journal of a list of Christian Science practitioners might not be taken, in conjunction with evidence of testimony, as advertising a cure. I have been into that question, and I am advised that there is no risk on that point. I hope that this assurance will satisfy the Christian Science community. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Report of Amendment be now received.—(The Duke of Devonshire.)
§ VISCOUNT BERTIE OF THAMEMy Lords, as I raised this question on an Amendment which I moved in Committee I hope I may be allowed to thank my noble friend for the statement he has made. I am also authorised by the Christian Science movement to think him, 414 and to say that any fears which they had have been allayed by this statement.
§ On Question, Amendment reported.